Rescuing Ryder (Serenity Securities, Team Hawk #1)

Chapter 43

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

Claire lay on the couch, mentally exhausted. Her phone rang, but she ignored it. When she woke, she hoped Ryder slept there, only to find Shadow in the driveway.

Now, she stared at the ceiling, wondering if Ryder understood his breakthrough. Claire picked up her phone and texted Dr. Hill, Chase, and Kassie. A few minutes later, Kassie called.

“Before you ask, I’m fine,” Claire answered.

“Do you need anything? A hug? A chocolate croissant? A shovel?” Kassie asked, concerned about her friend.

Claire snorted, “Is this your way of telling me I’m fired?”

“Hell, yeah. It’s more fun to join the dark side. Now, am I helping you bury a body or telling you sad calories don’t count?” Kassie attempted to cheer her up.

Claire sighed. “He’s ready now. I wish he’d stay longer for follow-up visits with Dr. Hill.”

“I’m not asking about Ryder. The men will handle him. But I can totally ask Victoria for a favor. She did something to Shadow’s balls once and now he’s afraid of her,” she made Claire laugh.

The line grew quiet.

“How’s he doing?” Claire asked softly.

“Ryder’s coming to terms. You did an amazing job. He’s talking with Chase and Whiskey. Leo and Saint will stop in this afternoon. Taco and Shadow will stay with him tonight.”

“Thank you.” Claire picked up the tissue and swiped her eyes.

“You're welcome. When one of us hurts, all of us feel it. We’re here if you need us,” Kassie assured her.

“I appreciate it,” she whispered sadly and disconnected the call.

She lay her head on the sofa pillow, which smelled like him. Whatever happened, Claire hoped he remembered their time together. Her heart ached as tears fell. She knew Ryder cared for her. She loved him and had to stay content knowing she rescued him from the hell Ryder believed he deserved. Claire drifted off to sleep, recalling the first night they made love.

A few hours later, Claire woke to her phone ringing. She slapped at the table, searching for the device before hitting it with her hand.

“Hello,” she answered groggily.

“Hello, Claire. It’s Gregory Klein. I opted to spend another night with my mother. Since I’ll drive through Serenity on my return, I wondered if I might take you up on your offer to show me the hospital. I’d love to discuss your protocols.”

“Oh. When will you arrive?” Claire swiped the hair from her eyes and sat up. She didn’t feel up to entertaining, yet she forced herself to accept Ryder made his choice and now she must move on.

“I can be there around ten tomorrow morning.” Dr. Klein broke her from her thoughts.

“Sure. It works for me. I’ll see you then.” She tried to sound chipper.

“See you then.” Dr. Klein disconnected the call.